BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;-<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

“I would be willing to do more than one debate,” Trump said.

Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-delegates-swiftly-give-harris-enough-support-clinch-presidential-nomination" target="_blank">won pledges&nbsp;</a>from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.

During the call, Trump also said that he’s not worried about campaigning against Harris because “she’s the same as Biden” in her policies.

Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administration’s immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment on Trump’s remarks about debating.

Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.

Biden’s shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.

Trump also noted that he hasn’t agreed to the ABC debate because he “agreed to a debate with Joe Biden,” and not Harris.

Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721587521577.png" alt="File photo CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;-<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a Tuesday call with reporters committed to a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate.“I would be willing to do more than one debate,” Trump said.Harris, who says she is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-delegates-swiftly-give-harris-enough-support-clinch-presidential-nomination" target="_blank">won pledges&nbsp;</a>from enough Democratic delegates by late Monday night to gain the nomination. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris.During the call, Trump also said that he’s not worried about campaigning against Harris because “she’s the same as Biden” in her policies.Trump later in the call criticized Harris for the Biden administration’s immigration approach, a topic that he has made a core part of his platform in his third run for the White House.The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment on Trump’s remarks about debating.Trump also said he is not sure he wants to take part in a debate hosted by ABC News that was scheduled for Sept. 10 with then-presumptive Democratic nominee Biden.Biden’s shaky performance in a June 27 debate with Trump led to weeks of growing Democratic unease with his campaign, and members of both the U.S. House and Senate called for the president to drop his reelection bid.Trump also noted that he hasn’t agreed to the ABC debate because he “agreed to a debate with Joe Biden,” and not Harris.Harris held her first campaign rally Tuesday in Milwaukee, where she leaned into her prior work as a prosecutor and the attorney general for the state of California.

Trump says he’s willing to debate Harris, more than once

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/flurry-of-100-new-laws-are-taking-effect-in-nebraska/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A flurry of new state laws took effect Friday, establishing new policies for firearms in small schools, launching Parole Board reforms and expanding open government and voting rights.

Of the 150 bills&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/11/more-than-100-bills-sent-to-nebraska-gov-pillen-for-approval-in-legislative-voting-spree/#:~:text=By%3A%20Zach%20Wendling%20%2D%20April%2011%2C%202024%208%3A38%20pm&amp;text=LINCOLN%20%E2%80%94%20After%20a%20marathon%20voting,the%20governor%20for%20his%20signature.">signed into law this year</a>, more than 100 became effective last week. Some took effect in the spring while others won’t get the green light until July 1, 2025.

Here is a breakdown of some of Nebraska’s newest laws.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55486" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 1402</a>, from State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, sets aside&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-approves-nebraskas-newest-school-choice-law-as-opponents-weigh-next-steps/#:~:text=By%3A%20Zach%20Wendling%20%2D%20April%2024%2C%202024%207%3A29%20pm&amp;text=Jim%20Pillen%20on%20Wednesday%20approved,will%20fight%20the%20new%20law.&amp;text=Legislative%20Bill%201402%2C%20from%20State%20Sen.">$10 million for the state treasurer</a>&nbsp;to distribute private K-12 scholarships to prospective students.

As of Oct. 31, the law will repeal its predecessor:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50326" target="_blank">LB 753</a>, a one-to-one tax credit, capped at $25 million, that used scholarship-granting organizations to route funds to students and families.

Public school advocates are again seeking to block LB 1402, as they tried with the previous version. The Support our Schools ballot committee submitted signatures July 17, again seeking&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-approves-nebraskas-newest-school-choice-law-as-opponents-weigh-next-steps/#:~:text=By%3A%20Zach%20Wendling%20%2D%20April%2024%2C%202024%207%3A29%20pm&amp;text=Jim%20Pillen%20on%20Wednesday%20approved,will%20fight%20the%20new%20law.&amp;text=Legislative%20Bill%201402%2C%20from%20State%20Sen.">access to the November ballot</a>&nbsp;to decide the fate of LB 1402.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55393" target="_blank">LB 1329</a>, an Education Committee package, in part authorizes school boards to create a written policy for security personnel and off-duty law enforcement to carry firearms on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities. State Sen. Tom Brewer introduced the proposal in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55183" target="_blank">LB 1339</a>.

The policy must specify personal qualifications, training, appropriate firearms and ammunition, and appropriate use of force.

The State Board of Education will develop a model policy in consultation with the Nebraska State Patrol, including the appropriate number of training hours for security personnel.

The law doesn’t include&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-102" target="_blank">Class III, IV or V</a>&nbsp;public school districts, or districts of at least 5,000 or more people.

The committee package also included&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55154" target="_blank">LB 1385</a>, from State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, to streamline the application process to expand teaching certificates and explain how teachers could earn additional endorsements. It also creates license reciprocity with other states.

Also included in LB 1329 were bills to prohibit debt collection agencies and interest charges for students’ unpaid breakfast and lunch accounts (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54754" target="_blank">LB 855</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln); to limit the use of mercator maps in K-12 classrooms beginning this fall (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54916" target="_blank">LB 962</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha) and to allow school boards to levy&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/pad/research/annual-reports/2023/annrpt2023%20table%2013.pdf" target="_blank">additional property taxes</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/29/nebraska-lawmakers-advance-school-safety-package-to-full-legislature/">school safety infrastructure</a>&nbsp;concerns (<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55179" target="_blank">LB 1012</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont).

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49705" target="_blank">LB 16</a>&nbsp;has been described as a “comprehensive rewrite” of the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/13/platte-institute-other-advocates-celebrate-new-nebraska-occupational-licensing-reforms/">occupational licensure policies</a>. Conrad took up the bill after its introducer, former State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, resigned to become&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/14/pillen-appoints-state-sen-tom-briese-as-new-state-treasurer/">state treasurer</a>.

The legislation provides additional ways to license and recognize licenses from experienced workers who move to Nebraska from other states.&nbsp;

LB 16 also includes language to allow interior designers to join a voluntary registry for their profession. Brewer introduced those provisions in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49734" target="_blank">LB 471</a>.&nbsp;

Lawmakers are taking steps to eliminate poverty in Lincoln and Omaha through&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54715" target="_blank">LB 840</a>, from State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. It requires both cities to submit a five-year poverty elimination action plan by July 1, 2025.

That document must include goals for poverty elimination in certain areas and plans to use federal, state and local incentives to eliminate poverty in those areas.

Another bill applying to just Lincoln and Omaha officials is&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55631" target="_blank">LB 1358</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, which was amended into and passed in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55110" target="_blank">LB 1300</a>.

McDonnell’s proposal sets a ceiling for city council members and mayors to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/11/lawmakers-seek-to-prevent-pacific-conflict-build-bridges-with-nebraska-asian-americans/">increase their salaries</a>: no more than the average percentage change in the unadjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the period since the last salary increase, plus 1%.

Salaries can’t be increased more than once every two fiscal years.

If officials seek to increase their salaries more than that level, the increase must be the subject of a public hearing, receive supermajority support from the city council and be put to a public vote.

<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50402" target="_blank">LB 43</a>, with provisions from Conrad’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50179" target="_blank">LB 366</a>, outlaws special fees for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/21/legislature-outlaws-public-records-special-fees-extends-grace-period-before-charges/">public records requests</a>&nbsp;and doubles the grace period before fees are imposed on records requests, from four to eight hours. Those hours include consecutive time spent “searching, identifying, physically redacting or copying” after a records request.&nbsp;

The changes apply to all Nebraskans and news media.

Recordkeepers could also waive or reduce records fees if doing so is in the public interest or “likely to contribute to the understanding of the operations or activities of government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the person requesting such records.”

Another provision in LB 43 was Thurston State Sen. Joni Albrecht’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50594" target="_blank">LB 637</a>, which requires every public body subject to the Open Meetings Act to allow members of the public an opportunity to speak at each of their public meetings. This doesn’t include closed sessions.

State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, who introduced LB 43, also passed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49659" target="_blank">LB 71</a>&nbsp;to modernize a 30-year-old law regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/21/proposal-advances-to-modernize-parental-involvement-in-nebraska-k-12-education/">parental rights in education</a>.

The revisions will expand what educational materials parents can access, in addition to textbooks and tests, such as employee training materials, websites or applications used for learning, digital materials and activities information.

School districts would need to specify how they would “accommodate” — not merely “handle” — parental requests to attend and monitor classes, assemblies, activities or counseling sessions.

Districts must update their policies by July 1, 2025.

State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55539" target="_blank">LB 1296</a>&nbsp;to create a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/15/lawmaker-seeks-nebraska-registry-of-authorized-vape-products-crackdown-on-sales/">Nebraska-specific registry and list of regulations</a>&nbsp;for vaping products.

Beginning Friday, passed as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55526" target="_blank">LB 1204</a>, online or other electronic sales for vapes are no longer allowed. Violations are a Class I misdemeanor.&nbsp;

Manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems must complete a&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/tax-forms/2024/5-272.pdf" target="_blank">certification</a>&nbsp;form and pay a $75 fee by April 1, 2025. The Nebraska Department of Revenue will list all approved manufacturers and products that have been approved for sale beginning Oct. 31, 2025.

The law also cracks down on advertising targeted at minors, outlawing ads or packaging that:

“What we saw with schools, we saw highlighters, flash drives, that’s illegal, full stop,” Attorney General Mike Hilgers told the Nebraska Examiner. “Even if it is registered, they can’t do that.”

Hilgers worked with Hughes on the legislation and said the “Nebraska-based solution” will help to screen out material that is counterfeit or otherwise not safe for consumers.

Another bill from Hughes,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55026" target="_blank">LB 1035</a>, will establish a prescription drug donation program. While no nonprofit has yet been chosen, Hughes has eyed a likely partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/13/nebraska-lawmaker-looks-to-partner-with-iowas-prescription-drug-donation-program/">Iowa-based nonprofit SafeNetRx</a>, which she visited last October.

Under the law, prescription drugs must be in single-unit doses in original, unopened, sealed and tamper-evident packaging. Nebraskans can already donate to SafeNetRx’s program, but the law opens up a pathway for the medicine to be returned to Nebraska patients.

A DHHS spokesperson said the department is having conversations with SafeNetRx about how the Iowa program can work in Nebraska and about licensing and statutory obligations.

DHHS is also set to coordinate and cooperate with the Public Service Commission to ensure the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/new-nebraska-law-connects-911-operators-with-988-suicide-prevention-line/">routed to 911 servers</a>, and vice versa. State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha introduced that change in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54752" target="_blank">LB 929</a>, which passed in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55163" target="_blank">LB 1200</a>.

Several changes are coming to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/04/legislative-package-advances-to-reform-nebraska-parole-board/">state’s parole system</a>&nbsp;through McKinney’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50450" target="_blank">LB 631</a>.

One major change is limiting the Board of Parole to two reasons for which it may defer parole: if there is a substantial risk that the person would not conform to the conditions of parole or that continued correctional treatment, medical care or training would “substantially enhance his or her capacity to lead a law-abiding life when released at a later date.”

Parole couldn’t be denied solely because the department did not offer needed programming or otherwise delayed programming because of operational issues.

Parole Board members consider whether to grant parole during more than 1,000 hearings each calendar year, and they may be now removed from their post for “neglect of duty.”

That definition includes not attending 12 full days of hearings within a year, which doesn’t include days missed for a medical appointment that couldn’t reasonably be rescheduled or delayed, a family emergency, illness, an act of God or other similar circumstances.

The Parole Board will also need to begin regularly conducting “Parole School” sessions in each correctional facility, so offenders have the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate the process.

Another proposal,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50027" target="_blank">LB 20</a>&nbsp;from Wayne, “automatically” removes a disqualification from voting rights for any Nebraskans who have completed their felony sentence. The law removed a two-year waiting period for felons after completing their sentence, which had been established in 2005.

Enforcement of LB 20, as well as the two-year waiting period, remains in question after Hilgers issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/17/ag-hilgers-issues-opinion-that-threatens-new-felon-voter-registrations-in-nebraska/">formal opinion to Secretary of State Bob Evnen</a>&nbsp;stating that both laws were an unconstitutional encroachment on the authority of Nebraska’s Pardons Board.

The secretary of state, attorney general and governor make up that board, and Pillen had cast doubt on the law in April when he allowed the law to go into effect&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/felon-voting-rights-restoration-proposal-becomes-law-but-faces-possible-legal-challenge/">without his signature</a>.

Hilgers’ opinion doesn’t carry the same weight as the state’s judicial system, and the legislation has not been challenged in the courts.

Conrad, a civil rights attorney, confirmed to the Examiner that thousands of Nebraskans who had been disqualified from registering to vote but were within the two-year waiting period “automatically” had that voting registration disqualification go away as of Friday, per the new&nbsp; law.

A slew of other laws that took effect Friday include:

Flurry of 100+ new laws taking effect in Nebraska

West Yellowstone, Montana —Tourists enjoying Yellowstone National Park were forced to run for cover when the was a massive geyser explosion.

&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday, a localized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park" target="_blank">hydrothermal explosion</a>&nbsp;occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, according to the National Park Service.

No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.&nbsp;

Biscuit Basin including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open.&nbsp; Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.&nbsp;

No&nbsp;other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Tthe explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. The park service indicated this is an&nbsp;evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721765630612.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>West Yellowstone, Montana —Tourists enjoying Yellowstone National Park were forced to run for cover when the was a massive geyser explosion.&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m. Tuesday, a localized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/hydrothermal-explosions-yellowstone-national-park" target="_blank">hydrothermal explosion</a>&nbsp;occurred near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, located just north of Old Faithful, according to the National Park Service.No injuries were reported and the extent of damage is unknown at this time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721766258883.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Biscuit Basin including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Grand Loop Road remains open.&nbsp; Park staff and staff from USGS will monitor conditions and reopen the area once deemed safe.&nbsp;No&nbsp;other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Tthe explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity. The park service indicated this is an&nbsp;evolving incident, and additional details will be shared as more facts are known.

Geyser explosion closes portion of Yellowstone National Park

Nebraska Department of Transportation

&nbsp;(Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin August 5 on eastbound and westbound I-80 and the westbound rest area at Sidney, from reference post 60.68 to reference post 68.67 according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes pavement repair, milling old asphalt and repaving with a new asphalt overlay, bridge girder repairs, and new guardrail and grading.

The westbound rest area will be removed. New ramps and parking lot will be built to accommodate a new rest area building being constructed under a separate project. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures. Anticipated completion is July 2025.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.


Nebraska Department of Transportation&nbsp;(Gering, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin August 5 on eastbound and westbound I-80 and the westbound rest area at Sidney, from reference post 60.68 to reference post 68.67 according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad is the contractor for this project. Work includes pavement repair, milling old asphalt and repaving with a new asphalt overlay, bridge girder repairs, and new guardrail and grading.The westbound rest area will be removed. New ramps and parking lot will be built to accommodate a new rest area building being constructed under a separate project. Traffic will be maintained with lane closures. Anticipated completion is July 2025.Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

Work will begin on I-80, Sidney–Sunol and Sidney Westbound Rest Area

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/nebraska-push-for-winner-take-all-will-wait-in-line-after-property-tax-relief/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Republicans who want to change how the state awards its Electoral College votes before the presidential election this fall will have to wait a little longer.

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office confirmed Monday that his written call for this week’s special session will focus on property taxes alone and won’t include winner-take-all.

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor has not shut the door on perhaps calling a special session later this year to consider awarding all five of Nebraska’s electoral votes to the winner of the presidential popular vote statewide. This year that likely would be former President Donald Trump in this Republican-dominated state.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha told Nebraska Public Media on Monday the tax session could last until Labor Day. If so, that would push a winner-take-all special session into September.

The governor visited the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, the same day Trump spoke. The Trump campaign has made clear that it wants the law changed.

Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/sources-say-trump-sought-to-directly-pressure-nebraska-state-senator-over-winner-take-all-proposal/">called at least one Nebraska state lawmaker</a>&nbsp;last session when the measure was being discussed, the senator told several of his colleagues, although the Trump campaign denied the call being made.

Pillen has said Nebraska should not stand alone with Maine in awarding a single vote for the winner in each congressional district, with the rest going to the statewide winner.

The Nebraska Republican Party has tried for decades to change a 1991 law passed under Democratic Gov. Ben Nelson that allowed one slice of a GOP-leaning state to stay competitive.

The Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District, despite the 2020 redistricting that swapped parts of suburban Sarpy County for rural Saunders County, remains politically divided.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the last four presidential elections, Democratic and GOP candidates have each won the&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/joe-biden-picks-up-2nd-district-electoral-vote-trump-wins-the-four-other-nebraska-votes/article_feb6eb42-95b1-5f13-b04f-598bae9d6544.html" target="_blank">2nd District twice</a>. Democrats won a vote in 2008 and 2020. Republicans won in 2012 and 2016.

Pillen has told the Examiner he would call a special session on winner-take-all this summer if legislative leaders tell him they have the votes. Thus far, they do not.

State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, who sponsored last year’s winner-take-all proposal, Legislative Bill 764, said Monday he remains short of the 33 votes needed to overcome a promised filibuster.

Several local political observers have said the holdouts could face tremendous pressure from Trump and his campaign supporters as the election nears. Some expect senators to flip.

Time is short. The first early ballots get mailed to overseas Nebraskans at least 45 days before the election, in September, and the first early ballots sent to Nebraska addresses are mailed in October.

Part of the reason for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pillen-staffer-confirms-charlie-kirks-talk-of-nebraska-winner-take-all-special-session/">national attention</a>&nbsp;is because of the possibility of the election ending in a 269-269 tie. In that scenario, a single stray electoral vote could matter.

Speaker of the Legislature John Arch did not immediately return messages seeking comment about winner-take-all discussions in the conservative-led, officially nonpartisan body.

If Nebraska acts, state lawmakers in Democratic-leaning Maine have said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/26/maine-draws-a-line-in-the-sandhills-will-match-nebraska-on-winner-take-all/">consider changing to winner-take-all</a>&nbsp;to avoid handing any one candidate an unfair advantage.

Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb has said Republicans are trying to change the rules too close to an election. She has said Trump should compete for 2nd District votes.

Both major party presidential campaigns have built a presence in the 2nd District in recent months, hiring staff and working with volunteers and U.S. House candidates to knock on doors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721751156307.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets attendees at one of his property tax town halls Friday, May 24, 2024, in Beatrice. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/22/nebraska-push-for-winner-take-all-will-wait-in-line-after-property-tax-relief/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Republicans who want to change how the state awards its Electoral College votes before the presidential election this fall will have to wait a little longer.Gov. Jim Pillen’s office confirmed Monday that his written call for this week’s special session will focus on property taxes alone and won’t include winner-take-all.Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor has not shut the door on perhaps calling a special session later this year to consider awarding all five of Nebraska’s electoral votes to the winner of the presidential popular vote statewide. This year that likely would be former President Donald Trump in this Republican-dominated state.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha told Nebraska Public Media on Monday the tax session could last until Labor Day. If so, that would push a winner-take-all special session into September.<h2>Pillen attended GOP convention</h2>The governor visited the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, the same day Trump spoke. The Trump campaign has made clear that it wants the law changed.Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/05/sources-say-trump-sought-to-directly-pressure-nebraska-state-senator-over-winner-take-all-proposal/">called at least one Nebraska state lawmaker</a>&nbsp;last session when the measure was being discussed, the senator told several of his colleagues, although the Trump campaign denied the call being made.Pillen has said Nebraska should not stand alone with Maine in awarding a single vote for the winner in each congressional district, with the rest going to the statewide winner.The Nebraska Republican Party has tried for decades to change a 1991 law passed under Democratic Gov. Ben Nelson that allowed one slice of a GOP-leaning state to stay competitive.<h2>2nd District remains closely split</h2>The Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District, despite the 2020 redistricting that swapped parts of suburban Sarpy County for rural Saunders County, remains politically divided.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the last four presidential elections, Democratic and GOP candidates have each won the&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/joe-biden-picks-up-2nd-district-electoral-vote-trump-wins-the-four-other-nebraska-votes/article_feb6eb42-95b1-5f13-b04f-598bae9d6544.html" target="_blank">2nd District twice</a>. Democrats won a vote in 2008 and 2020. Republicans won in 2012 and 2016.Pillen has told the Examiner he would call a special session on winner-take-all this summer if legislative leaders tell him they have the votes. Thus far, they do not.State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City, who sponsored last year’s winner-take-all proposal, Legislative Bill 764, said Monday he remains short of the 33 votes needed to overcome a promised filibuster.Several local political observers have said the holdouts could face tremendous pressure from Trump and his campaign supporters as the election nears. Some expect senators to flip.<h2>Time for 2024 changes running out</h2>Time is short. The first early ballots get mailed to overseas Nebraskans at least 45 days before the election, in September, and the first early ballots sent to Nebraska addresses are mailed in October.Part of the reason for the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/09/pillen-staffer-confirms-charlie-kirks-talk-of-nebraska-winner-take-all-special-session/">national attention</a>&nbsp;is because of the possibility of the election ending in a 269-269 tie. In that scenario, a single stray electoral vote could matter.Speaker of the Legislature John Arch did not immediately return messages seeking comment about winner-take-all discussions in the conservative-led, officially nonpartisan body.If Nebraska acts, state lawmakers in Democratic-leaning Maine have said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/26/maine-draws-a-line-in-the-sandhills-will-match-nebraska-on-winner-take-all/">consider changing to winner-take-all</a>&nbsp;to avoid handing any one candidate an unfair advantage.Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb has said Republicans are trying to change the rules too close to an election. She has said Trump should compete for 2nd District votes.Both major party presidential campaigns have built a presence in the 2nd District in recent months, hiring staff and working with volunteers and U.S. House candidates to knock on doors.

Nebraska push for winner-take-all will wait in line after property tax relief

Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 2900 Grand Avenue #72 (East Lawn Mobile Home Park). Dispatch advised there was a report of smoke and flames coming from a bedroom and residents were evacuating. 

Upon arrival, KVFD crews reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. &nbsp;Command verified that all occupants were out of the structure. 

KVFD crews made entry into the residence and performed fire attack and a primary search. The fire was brought under control. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the 5 occupants of the residence. There were no injuries reported. &nbsp;

KVFD wants to remind residents to ensure that they have working smoke detectors in their homes. The detectors should be tested monthly and have batteries replaced annually. Working smoke detectors can mean the difference between life or death. Working smoke detectors save lives.

Kearney Volunteer Fire DepartmentKearney, Neb. - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at 2900 Grand Avenue #72 (East Lawn Mobile Home Park). Dispatch advised there was a report of smoke and flames coming from a bedroom and residents were evacuating. Upon arrival, KVFD crews reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. &nbsp;Command verified that all occupants were out of the structure. KVFD crews made entry into the residence and performed fire attack and a primary search. The fire was brought under control. The State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the 5 occupants of the residence. There were no injuries reported. &nbsp;KVFD wants to remind residents to ensure that they have working smoke detectors in their homes. The detectors should be tested monthly and have batteries replaced annually. Working smoke detectors can mean the difference between life or death. Working smoke detectors save lives.

Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responds to Monday afternoon structure fire

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House Wednesday evening on&nbsp;his decision to end his 2024 reelection bid.

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House Wednesday evening on&nbsp;his decision to end his 2024 reelection bid.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1815766423056080912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;He will speak at 7 p.m. CDT&nbsp;

Biden to give a White House address on decision to exit the race

Correction:&nbsp;The UNMC College of Medicine was ranked in research, not the entire University of Nebraska Medical Center. The language has been changed in the third paragraph, below, to reflect this more clearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In its latest rankings of top U.S. medical schools, U.S. News &amp; World Report has named the University of Nebraska Medical Center a Tier 1 institution for primary care training.

In a shift from its former numerical rankings, the magazine is now grouping medical schools into four tiers. UNMC was one of only 15 institutions in the top tier for primary care training. Those institutions were in the 85th&nbsp;percentile or higher of medical schools ranked.

UNMC also was named a Tier 2 medical school for research. There are 16 medical schools in Tier 1 and 36 in Tier 2, which consists of medical schools ranked between the 50th&nbsp;and 84th&nbsp;percentile.

UNMC also was ranked ninth of 168 medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in rural areas.

Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said he was pleased to see UNMC continue to be among the nation’s leaders in primary care and practicing in rural areas.

“While UNMC’s national profile continues to grow, these rankings reflect our commitment to our core mission – transforming the lives and improving the health of our fellow Nebraskans,” he said. “Our Tier 2 research ranking also reflects the hard work of our research faculty, students and staff and the increasing impact and recognition of our commitment to breakthroughs that have a positive impact on the lives of men, women and children around the world.”

Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jane Meza, PhD, said: “The rankings demonstrate the expertise and dedication of our faculty and students and our commitment as an academic medical center to meeting the needs of the underserved in Nebraska, both rural and urban.”

Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, agreed.

“The message here is the effort that is put in, both of our educators to provide the best academic experience possible for our students and of our students for their superlative performance,” Dr. Britigan said. “We take pride in this recognition.”

UNMC also was ranked 54th&nbsp;(of 168 schools) in medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in primary care.

“Medical schools are newly presented in evaluative tiers in lieu of ordinal rankings. Each school's tier was derived from its overall score, calculated as always by summing the weighted normalized values generated across several factors of academic quality, outlined below. There are four tiers, with tier 1 medical schools the highest performing and tier 4 the lowest performing. Within each tier, schools are sorted alphabetically on usnews.com.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721747838590.jpeg" alt="Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>UNMCCorrection:&nbsp;The UNMC College of Medicine was ranked in research, not the entire University of Nebraska Medical Center. The language has been changed in the third paragraph, below, to reflect this more clearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;In its latest rankings of top U.S. medical schools, U.S. News &amp; World Report has named the University of Nebraska Medical Center a Tier 1 institution for primary care training.In a shift from its former numerical rankings, the magazine is now grouping medical schools into four tiers. UNMC was one of only 15 institutions in the top tier for primary care training. Those institutions were in the 85th&nbsp;percentile or higher of medical schools ranked.UNMC also was named a Tier 2 medical school for research. There are 16 medical schools in Tier 1 and 36 in Tier 2, which consists of medical schools ranked between the 50th&nbsp;and 84th&nbsp;percentile.UNMC also was ranked ninth of 168 medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in rural areas.Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said he was pleased to see UNMC continue to be among the nation’s leaders in primary care and practicing in rural areas.“While UNMC’s national profile continues to grow, these rankings reflect our commitment to our core mission – transforming the lives and improving the health of our fellow Nebraskans,” he said. “Our Tier 2 research ranking also reflects the hard work of our research faculty, students and staff and the increasing impact and recognition of our commitment to breakthroughs that have a positive impact on the lives of men, women and children around the world.”Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jane Meza, PhD, said: “The rankings demonstrate the expertise and dedication of our faculty and students and our commitment as an academic medical center to meeting the needs of the underserved in Nebraska, both rural and urban.”Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, agreed.“The message here is the effort that is put in, both of our educators to provide the best academic experience possible for our students and of our students for their superlative performance,” Dr. Britigan said. “We take pride in this recognition.”UNMC also was ranked 54th&nbsp;(of 168 schools) in medical schools in the percentage of graduates practicing in primary care.U.S. News explained its new methodology:“Medical schools are newly presented in evaluative tiers in lieu of ordinal rankings. Each school's tier was derived from its overall score, calculated as always by summing the weighted normalized values generated across several factors of academic quality, outlined below. There are four tiers, with tier 1 medical schools the highest performing and tier 4 the lowest performing. Within each tier, schools are sorted alphabetically on usnews.com.”

UNMC named among top U.S. medical schools for primary care training

The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.

While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:

Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.

She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.

The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.

She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.

She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.

Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.

She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.

She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658019683.png" alt="Image from House Oversight Committee video" />
 <figcaption>Image from House Oversight Committee video</figcaption>
 </figure>The House GOP Oversight Committee released a statement on what they learned during the 5-h0ur hearing on Monday with U.S. Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.&nbsp; The statement is below.While U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle refused to answer most of the questions asked of her, here are a few things we did learn:Nine days after an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life, the director of the U.S. Secret Service does not have a comprehensive timeline of events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721678257128.png" alt="Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign" />
 <figcaption>Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers asked the director to resign</figcaption>
 </figure>She has not visited the site in Butler, PA.The roof the shooter used was outside the perimeter the Secret Service was monitoring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720913971898.png" alt="Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>She thinks that the assassination attempt was “the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades,” yet she still believes she is the best person to lead the Secret Service.She was more forthcoming with her TV interview appearances than our hearing and even had her opening statement“leaked” to journalists hours before the committee received a copy.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyP3tKtgtnw?si=Pqhet5TaSu_xleoJ&amp;start=999" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>She believes this tragedy, which claimed a life, almost killed President Trump, and injured two others, was preventable.She admits to multiple lapses in security under her leadership of the law enforcement agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;She believes there were sufficient resources given to President Trump on the day he was shot.

What committee learned on assassination attempt from Secret Service Director

WASHINGTON—&nbsp; Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, according to her campaign. She said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.

The Democrat convention is next month in Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737749444.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—&nbsp; Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee, according to her campaign. She said in a statement that she is looking forward to formally accepting the nomination while also making her case against a second Donald Trump presidency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721737632143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Democrat convention is next month in Chicago.

Read statement from Kamala Harris on accepting the nomination soon

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Monday Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.

&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Sunday&nbsp;that he is dropping his reelection bid against Donald Trump. He has not been seen in public since last week.

WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Monday Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, provided an update on Biden's recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721673941588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Sunday&nbsp;that he is dropping his reelection bid against Donald Trump. He has not been seen in public since last week.

Read doctor's Monday update on Biden's COVID recovery

Kearney, Neb. - The Kearney Police Department releases post statistics following the 2024 Cruise Night event which brings people from all over the state to show off vehicles.

There were 196 calls for service between 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, through 6:00 a.m. on&nbsp; Sunday, July 21. KPD investigated 7 traffic accidents (1 injury) and performed 71 traffic stops during this time.&nbsp; These numbers only reflect statistics from the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A summary of the weekend activity related to the event includes:&nbsp;

• 39 Written Warnings and 22 Uniform Traffic Citations&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;o 1 Leaving the scene of an accident&nbsp;

This enforcement effort was made possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads - Office of Highway Safety.&nbsp;

Kearney Police DepartmentKearney, Neb. - The Kearney Police Department releases post statistics following the 2024 Cruise Night event which brings people from all over the state to show off vehicles.There were 196 calls for service between 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, through 6:00 a.m. on&nbsp; Sunday, July 21. KPD investigated 7 traffic accidents (1 injury) and performed 71 traffic stops during this time.&nbsp; These numbers only reflect statistics from the Kearney Police Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;A summary of the weekend activity related to the event includes:&nbsp;Traffic Activity:&nbsp;• 39 Written Warnings and 22 Uniform Traffic Citations&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;o 1 Leaving the scene of an accident&nbsp;Criminal Activity:&nbsp;• Assault (2)&nbsp;• Disturbances (3)&nbsp;• Larceny (1)&nbsp;This enforcement effort was made possible thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads - Office of Highway Safety.&nbsp;

Kearney Police Department releases post Cruise Night statistics

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp;spoke Monday at a White House celebration with the NCAA championship teams, her first appearance since President Biden announced he was leaving the race.

Harris is set to travel to Wilmington Monday afternoon to meet with Biden campaign staff.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp;spoke Monday at a White House celebration with the NCAA championship teams, her first appearance since President Biden announced he was leaving the race.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;Joe Biden&#39;s legacy of accomplishment over the past three years is unmatched in modern history.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/m12gjVAkD6">pic.twitter.com/m12gjVAkD6</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1815421541628125644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721650226823.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harris is set to travel to Wilmington Monday afternoon to meet with Biden campaign staff.

🎥Harris makes first public comments since Biden ended campaign

Kimball County - First responders responded to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle.

According to the Kimball County Sheiff's Office (KCSO), first responders were dispatched to I-80 on Saturday, July 20th as a semi-truck was on fire due to a blown tire. No further information was released.

Assisting the KCSO was the&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol, Potter Fire Department, Kimball Police Department and Dix Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658057669.jpeg" alt="Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle PostKimball County - First responders responded to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle.According to the Kimball County Sheiff's Office (KCSO), first responders were dispatched to I-80 on Saturday, July 20th as a semi-truck was on fire due to a blown tire. No further information was released.Assisting the KCSO was the&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol, Potter Fire Department, Kimball Police Department and Dix Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721658087578.jpeg" alt="Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Semi-truck on fire in the Panhandle (Photo from the Kimball County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>

First responders respond to semi-truck on fire over the weekend in the Panhandle

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/21/nebraska-reaction-to-biden-harris-decision-focuses-on-2nd-district-impact/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Local efforts to keep the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District blue will have a new standard-bearer after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would not run for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, issued a statement Sunday expressing deep respect for Biden’s work and for his decision to step aside. Democrats are preparing for the national convention in Chicago next month. Nebraska is sending 34 delegates to the convention.

Precious McKesson, representing the state party and the local Biden campaign, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process and working with Democratic National Committee lawyers on securing ballot access for the nominee.

“I don’t think it changes anything,” McKesson said of Biden’s decision. “I think it re-energizes. … Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.”

Kleeb said local partisans will be laser-focused on helping Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha win his competitive congressional race against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Papillion and on helping the Democratic nominee for president win the state’s “blue dot.”

Biden won the Omaha area’s single Electoral College vote in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won it in 2016 and won Nebraska’s four other electoral votes in 2016 and 2020.

The 2nd District has been Nebraska’s most competitive for years, flipping between then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 to Mitt Romney in 2012.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Republican Party want to switch the GOP-leaning state to winner-take-all as soon as a special session this summer if he can find the votes. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an Electoral College vote to the presidential winner in each congressional district.

The state GOP had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.

Political observers say both the presidential race and the control of the House of Representatives could come down to the Omaha-area race. Vargas lost to Bacon by three percentage points in 2022. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in the district by six points.

Vargas, in a statement, thanked Biden for “his longtime leadership and honorable service.” He said his “selfless decision to step aside” will ensure the Democrats have a “strong nominee” who can win and serve the nation “capably” over the next four years.

“Our greatest imperative this fall is to ensure we beat Trump,” Vargas said. “That’s why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms.”

Bacon, in a statement, said Biden made the right decision for national security to step down. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said the last presidential debate showed Americans that Biden was no longer up to serving as commander in chief.

“Unfortunately, Father Time always wins in the end, and it will happen to all of us at some point,” Bacon said in a post on the social media network X.

He also criticized Vargas for waiting so long to comment on Biden after the debate.

Preston Love Jr., the Democratic nominee running against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, issued a statement commending Biden for his “many years of public service.” He said he looked forward to “strongly supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee” for president.

“Our focus must continue to be on preventing Donald Trump and his enablers … from winning in November,” Love said. “A second Donald Trump presidency would be devastating to our most vulnerable communities. Now is the time for us to come together and find a path to victory.”

Ricketts, in a statement, said only one choice, Trump, will lead to “security and prosperity for American citizens, and that’s a Trump-Vance administration.” He stressed Harris’ role as the Biden administration’s point person on border security and said she pushed for “terrible policies.”

“The strength of the Trump-Vance ticket has never been more evident than today,” Ricketts said on X. “Kamala Harris owns the Biden policies.”

Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, tweeted that he respects Biden’s decision. He said most Nebraskans want “honest leadership who will stand up to corruption regardless of party.”&nbsp;

Fischer’s campaign had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.

In August, 4,000 or so delegates from across the country will shift from having a largely ceremonial role, which was expected after Biden won the Democratic primaries, into a much higher-profile role of selecting the Democratic presidential nominee on behalf of their respective states.

Picking a presidential nominee was old hat for major party convention delegates prior to 1972, when the modern primary election system emerged. But Biden becomes the first presumptive nominee from a major party to leave the race after winning his party’s primary elections.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue is one of the delegates who will get to vote in Chicago. She is a candidate for Congress in the 1st District against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood.

Her first national party convention is now expected to name a nominee, which she said has her&nbsp; “very excited” because of the number of “very qualified people who could step up to the plate.” She said she is hopeful that “maybe a woman could be one of them.”&nbsp;

“This is a whole new process,” Blood said. “It’s democracy at its finest.”

McKesson said the party hopes to have more answers Monday about the next steps for its convention delegates.

Retired University of Nebraska at Omaha political scientist Paul Landow, who cut his teeth helping with Omaha-area Democratic campaigns, said it is too soon to tell how Biden’s dropping out might impact the presidential or House races in the 2nd District.

Harris, if chosen, could help the party better motivate young people to vote this November, Landow and McKesson said. Landow pointed to recent polling that showed Trump faring worse against a younger, more progressive Democrat than against Biden. Trump still narrowly led, however.

McKesson said she hopes people will take a little time to thank Biden for his decades of work and for “what had to be a hard decision for him and his family.”

“I want everybody to think about what he has done,” she said.

Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/07/21/nebraska-reaction-to-biden-harris-decision-focuses-on-2nd-district-impact/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Local efforts to keep the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District blue will have a new standard-bearer after President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he would not run for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, issued a statement Sunday expressing deep respect for Biden’s work and for his decision to step aside. Democrats are preparing for the national convention in Chicago next month. Nebraska is sending 34 delegates to the convention.Precious McKesson, representing the state party and the local Biden campaign, said the party is waiting on the national rules committee to clarify the nomination selection process and working with Democratic National Committee lawyers on securing ballot access for the nominee.“I don’t think it changes anything,” McKesson said of Biden’s decision. “I think it re-energizes. … Our delegates were already pledged delegates to Joe Biden. I am confident they will be pledged to Vice President Harris.”<h2>Vargas-Bacon race impact</h2>Kleeb said local partisans will be laser-focused on helping Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha win his competitive congressional race against Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Papillion and on helping the Democratic nominee for president win the state’s “blue dot.”Biden won the Omaha area’s single Electoral College vote in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, won it in 2016 and won Nebraska’s four other electoral votes in 2016 and 2020.The 2nd District has been Nebraska’s most competitive for years, flipping between then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 to Mitt Romney in 2012.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Republican Party want to switch the GOP-leaning state to winner-take-all as soon as a special session this summer if he can find the votes. Nebraska is one of two states that awards an Electoral College vote to the presidential winner in each congressional district.The state GOP had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.Political observers say both the presidential race and the control of the House of Representatives could come down to the Omaha-area race. Vargas lost to Bacon by three percentage points in 2022. In 2020, Biden beat Trump in the district by six points.Vargas, in a statement, thanked Biden for “his longtime leadership and honorable service.” He said his “selfless decision to step aside” will ensure the Democrats have a “strong nominee” who can win and serve the nation “capably” over the next four years.“Our greatest imperative this fall is to ensure we beat Trump,” Vargas said. “That’s why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms.”Bacon, in a statement, said Biden made the right decision for national security to step down. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, said the last presidential debate showed Americans that Biden was no longer up to serving as commander in chief.“Unfortunately, Father Time always wins in the end, and it will happen to all of us at some point,” Bacon said in a post on the social media network X.He also criticized Vargas for waiting so long to comment on Biden after the debate.<h2>Love, Ricketts, Osborn weigh in</h2>Preston Love Jr., the Democratic nominee running against Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, issued a statement commending Biden for his “many years of public service.” He said he looked forward to “strongly supporting Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee” for president.“Our focus must continue to be on preventing Donald Trump and his enablers … from winning in November,” Love said. “A second Donald Trump presidency would be devastating to our most vulnerable communities. Now is the time for us to come together and find a path to victory.”Ricketts, in a statement, said only one choice, Trump, will lead to “security and prosperity for American citizens, and that’s a Trump-Vance administration.” He stressed Harris’ role as the Biden administration’s point person on border security and said she pushed for “terrible policies.”“The strength of the Trump-Vance ticket has never been more evident than today,” Ricketts said on X. “Kamala Harris owns the Biden policies.”Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate for U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, tweeted that he respects Biden’s decision. He said most Nebraskans want “honest leadership who will stand up to corruption regardless of party.”&nbsp;Fischer’s campaign had no immediate comment on the Biden-Harris news.<h2>A new old role for convention delegates</h2>In August, 4,000 or so delegates from across the country will shift from having a largely ceremonial role, which was expected after Biden won the Democratic primaries, into a much higher-profile role of selecting the Democratic presidential nominee on behalf of their respective states.Picking a presidential nominee was old hat for major party convention delegates prior to 1972, when the modern primary election system emerged. But Biden becomes the first presumptive nominee from a major party to leave the race after winning his party’s primary elections.State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue is one of the delegates who will get to vote in Chicago. She is a candidate for Congress in the 1st District against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood.Her first national party convention is now expected to name a nominee, which she said has her&nbsp; “very excited” because of the number of “very qualified people who could step up to the plate.” She said she is hopeful that “maybe a woman could be one of them.”&nbsp;“This is a whole new process,” Blood said. “It’s democracy at its finest.”McKesson said the party hopes to have more answers Monday about the next steps for its convention delegates.<h2>Could boost youth turnout</h2>Retired University of Nebraska at Omaha political scientist Paul Landow, who cut his teeth helping with Omaha-area Democratic campaigns, said it is too soon to tell how Biden’s dropping out might impact the presidential or House races in the 2nd District.Harris, if chosen, could help the party better motivate young people to vote this November, Landow and McKesson said. Landow pointed to recent polling that showed Trump faring worse against a younger, more progressive Democrat than against Biden. Trump still narrowly led, however.McKesson said she hopes people will take a little time to thank Biden for his decades of work and for “what had to be a hard decision for him and his family.”“I want everybody to think about what he has done,” she said.

Nebraska reaction to Biden-Harris decision focuses on 2nd District impact

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;The Secret Service director&nbsp;Kim Cheatle testified Monday before the House Oversight committee as calls mount for her to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman&nbsp;attempted to assassinate&nbsp;former President&nbsp;Donald Trump.

Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas are members of the House Oversight Committee.

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;The Secret Service director&nbsp;Kim Cheatle testified Monday before the House Oversight committee as calls mount for her to resign over security failures at a rally where a 20-year-old gunman&nbsp;attempted to assassinate&nbsp;former President&nbsp;Donald Trump.Click below to watch a replay of the hearing.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hyP3tKtgtnw?si=Pqhet5TaSu_xleoJ&amp;start=999" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri and Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas are members of the House Oversight Committee.

🎥 Secret Service director testifies on attempted assassination of Donald Trump

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720133821321.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Sunday he was dropping out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump.&nbsp;Lawmakers immediately called for Biden to resign from office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Joe Biden is unable to serve another term, then he must resign right now. If he&#39;s unfit to campaign, he should not have the nuclear codes - it&#39;s that simple.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1815100264380252171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If Joe Biden isn&#39;t fit to run for re-election, he&#39;s clearly no longer fit to serve as President. He already did what he thought was best for his party. Now he needs to do what’s best for our country. It’s time for President Biden to resign from office.&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1815101527431745620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Then RESIGN your office. If you can’t run a mere political campaign, you can’t be President <a href="https://t.co/wbO9fs0TyN">https://t.co/wbO9fs0TyN</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1815082478417358942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election. Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe…&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1815093011669516433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joe Biden should resign. If he’s not capable of being a candidate after he won the primary he’s not capable of being President. <a href="https://t.co/pb7LTFFxpd">https://t.co/pb7LTFFxpd</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1815099700233855036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office, Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "President Joe Biden's announcement that he will suspend his reelection campaign is an admission of something that Americans have observed for a long time – he is not fit to be president, which also means he can no longer serve as commander in chief."Biden's announcement throws the Democratic Party into chaos just months before the election. Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, the party’s instant favorite for the nomination at its August convention in Chicago.&nbsp;